I worked for a high end restaurant in California for twenty years. The restaurant was very popular (right on the beach) and everyone wanted to eat there, play there, and work there. I was in management and I talked to about 7 to 10 people per day who came to ask for a job. The people we hired were outgoing, personable, and tenacious. My suggestion is that you try to get to know someone in the restaurant(s) where you want to work. If they like you and remember you, they will recommend you to management when there's an opening. Don't be obnoxious, but also don't be afraid to let them know you would really, really like to work there. If you have a great personality, they will hire you and train you with no previous experience required.

Here is an example: Kim wants to work at The Chart House. She goes to the restaurant and asks to complete an application. She completes the application by hand in the office, all the while chatting up the bookkeeper working nearby. The next day, Kim calls the restaurant and asks for the bookkeeper by name. She asks her politely if her application has been reviewed and she reiterates that she really, really wants to work at that restaurant. Kim asks the bookkeeper if she can call her from time to time to check in. Kim goes back to the restaurant every few days to inquire about openings. She's noticed that the uniform is a white tailored shirt and black skirt, so that's what she wears when she stops by. Pretty soon, several restaurant workers, including the bookkeeper, know her by name and if they like her, they are rooting for her to get the next job.

The next time there's an opening, the bookkeeper pulls out Kim's application and asks the managers to review it. The opening is for hostess and Kim wants to be a server. Kim asks if they promote from within, and finds out they do so she takes the hostess position. After working as a hostess for two months, Kim is promoted to server when there is an opening.

Next to nepotism, I believe a good personality and tenacity are the key to getting restaurant work. Good luck!

Mostly negative from my experience, but I had a bad experience.

- Be prepared for people looking to get a few bucks knocked off their bill. They may say you ignored them or that you barely refilled their drinks. They may say they found a hair in their food. They may have no complaints until the bill came.

- You may not get tipped. Tipping is down when the economy is supposedly bad. People try to pinch in every way they can and that can be bad for someone who only works a few nights a week at less-than-minimum wage.

- Breaks can be an issue. Be prepared to not get a break.

- Cleaning can suck. Sometimes they will make you clean the bathrooms and that is disgusting. Not sure exactly what part of retail you worked.

- Some guys will flirt with you to get a few things free or try to. Also be careful about the ones that will try to give you their number. Always be cautious about this, even if you met someone in a coffee bar.

- Watch for dine and dashers. Most states do not allow the restaurants to take the cost of the diners dinners from your paycheck or tips. However, that may not stop the restaurants so check out your state laws.

- Figure out how much tips everyone else is reporting. Usually it's a percentage.